Commencement

Important Dates & Deadlines

Graduation Application

  • Graduation applications must be filed with the Graduation Department in the Office of the Registrar by March 15, 2024, for names to appear in the commencement program. The Graduation Application is available here.
  • Attending commencement does not guarantee graduation. All academic requirements must be complete and all paperwork on file in the Office of the Registrar by May 24, 2024 for Spring 2024, before diplomas are awarded (undergraduates only).

Cap & Gown Orders

The University Bookstore is the sole source provider of officially licensed Western Illinois University graduation regalia. To ensure you receive the correct Western Illinois University commencement wear, please order your caps and gowns from the University Bookstore only.

    • Caps, gowns and tassels are available from the University Union beginning March 20, 2024.
    • The cost is $35.00, plus tax, for undergraduates. Orders may be shipped via UPS through April 26, 2024.
    • More information

Instructional Videos

View videos on properly wearing your cap and gown and graduate/doctoral hoods.

Announcements

Commencement Program

Hometown Newspaper Notification

University Relations posts graduates' names, academic distinction, degrees and majors online at www.wiu.edu/CountyNews, and sends a listing of graduates to hometown newspapers after degrees have been conferred, approximately 2-3 weeks after the ceremony.